Walmart Partners With Arkansas Startup For New Incubation Space

Walmart Partners With Arkansas Startup RevUnit For New Incubation Space

Bentonville Arkansas has a new incubation space that will help startups get closer to the global retail giant. The space, called The Exchange, is the collision of innovation and technology.

“Exchange is a new venue in the Northwest Arkansas startup community that connects entrepreneurs and enterprises so that they can innovate together in new ways. Exchange offers free co-working space to select startups, mentorship with industry experts, and community events that foster collisions between entrepreneurs and enterprises. ” the space says on it’s website.

Short form news site, Arkansas 100, reports that this is the first time Walmart has partnered with a local startup in this manner. Adding that startups are important, and this is the first time Walmart has partnered with another company to work outside it’s Bentonville campus.

While there’s no formal incubation curriculum in place, The Exchange, is offering co-working, mentoring and meetups and events. They kicked off the space with a Grand Opening celebration earlier this month.

RevUnit is a startup that offers transformation programs to big businesses. They research, design, create and then implement programs that support strategy, user adoption and redemption. They have a solid list of large companies like Walmart, AutoZone, Zappos, Sam’s Club, Toll Brothers, Purina, United Van Lines and Virgin Hotels, using their services.

“At RevUnit, we develop technology products that make work life better for enterprises, and as a startup ourselves, we are consistently seeking ways to make sure other startups receive support and collaboration from other businesses,” RevUnit CEO Joe Saumweber said. “Through Exchange, we can cultivate business development and growth throughout northwest Arkansas.”

“We’re excited to support Exchange and boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Northwest Arkansas,” said Randy Salley, Wal-Mart’s senior vice president of retail technology. “The new venture is intended to be a model for entrepreneurs and established businesses to build relationships, nurture ideas and promote the Northwest Arkansas economy.”